Do you find yourself reaching for the hot sauce to liven up your meals? Are your eyes drawn to any dish that lists chilli as an ingredient? While certain cuisines, such as Indian and Thai, are renowned for their hot delicacies, spicy dishes can be found in cuisines all over the world. Seeking dishes that will make you sweat while your eyes water and your taste buds burn? Then look no further! Expat Explore has put together a list of the world’s spiciest dishes and where to find them.
These are some of the spiciest dishes from cuisines around the world:
Phaal Curry
You might be surprised to find that the world’s spiciest curry comes from the UK as opposed to India! The Phaal Curry actually originated in Bangladeshi-owned restaurants in Birmingham. Even spicier than the famously fiery Vindaloo, the Phaal Curry adds habanero, scotch bonnet peppers or even Carolina Reapers to ramp up the heat! This tomato-based curry is only for true daredevils with many describing it as devoid of flavour but full of pain!
Related: Test your spice levels at British curry houses when you join our Great Britain tour!
Papa a la huancaina
Don’t be fooled by its light colours and creamy sauce! This Peruvian dish packs a powerful punch. Served cold, Papa a la huancaina is an appetiser made with boiled potatoes, queso fresco and sautéed ají amarillo – yellow Peruvian peppers that will set your mouth on fire! However, this sauce is very popular and is often brought along to picnics as it is cold (only in temperature) and goes with just about anything.
Related: Taste authentic Peruvian food (and spices!) on our Sacred Peru tour!
Sichuan Hot Pot
China
China is a massive country full of diverse regions and cuisines. Regardless of region, Chinese food always embraces strong flavours and spices. However, Sichuan cuisine is by far the spiciest out of all Chinese cuisines! Sichuan peppers have a more numbing effect than burning effect which is what sets them apart from other chilli peppers. A traditional Sichuan hotpot features a broth infused with whole dried Sichuan peppers and peppercorns. Raw dishes such as meat and vegetables are then dipped into and cooked in the broth to soak up all the flavours.
Spaghetti all’assassina
For super spicy Italian dishes, head to the South of Italy! In the heel of the boot, chillies are a beloved ingredient and chefs aren’t afraid to use them generously. Spaghetti all’assassina (the assassin’s spaghetti), is an ancient dish native to Bari in Puglia that is sure to blow you away! It is made by cooking raw spaghetti in a tomato purée, laced with plenty of pepperoncino (hot chilli peppers) until the pasta is slightly burnt. With its delicious flavours, unique textures and powerful spices, this assassin’s spaghetti sure is a killer!
Related: These are the best pasta dishes you’ve never heard of!
Piri-Piri Chicken
Mozambique
Piri-Piri Chicken is now a world-famous dish thanks to Nando’s winning formula of succulent chicken and spicy, yet complex sauce. However, did you know that it originates from Mozambique and not from Portugal? Piri-piri, also known as bird‘s eye chilli, was first produced by Portuguese explorers in Portugal’s former Southern African territories. As a result, piri-piri chicken is particularly popular in Namibia, South Africa and Angola as well as in Mozambique.
Wasabi
This next entry is actually more of an ingredient or accompaniment than a dish. However, it has earned a spot on this list for its explosive nature and for being the only food on the list to not get its spicy properties from peppers. Similar to horseradish, wasabi hits your nose more than your tongue. It is traditionally served with sushi or covering nuts and peas as a snack.
Related: When in Japan, you simply have to try these 15 foods!
Shrimp Creole
Cajun and creole cuisines are native to Louisiana in the Southern USA. Creole cooking favours aromatic ingredients such as onions, tomatoes and cayenne pepper. Shrimp Creole is made using what’s known as the “holy trinity” of Creole ingredients; onion, celery and bell peppers. It is then spiced with a hot pepper sauce or cayenne-based seasoning. There are many variations of this dish, however, one thing that remains the same is its high spice level!
Related: Discover more classic American foods on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape!
Is your mouth watering for hot and spicy flavours? You can find chilli used in exciting ways all over the world. Be sure to try some deliciously warming dishes on your next Expat Explore tour!